April 2, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which a suspect fatally shot himself after he kidnapped a female and her two children from their residence in the 8100 block of Lawler at 11:20 p.m. last Friday (March 30).

The suspect, Courtney Elton Dickerson (b/m, DOB: 10/6/89), suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Chandler and Senior Police Officer K. Carr reported:

Dickerson and the victim were in a relationship the victim ended about one week ago. On Thursday (Mar. 29), the suspect abducted the victim from her home and sexually assaulted her. After holding her for a short time, Dickerson released her at her work address and the victim made a police report.

On Friday (March 30), Dickerson again went to the victim's residence and abducted her, along with her two daughters, 2 and 4 years old. An Amber Alert was issued for the children, in addition to broadcasting Dickerson's description and informationregarding the wanted vehicle.

After driving the victim and her children around the city for several hours, Dickerson went to his mother's residence on Northridge Drive. Investigators conducting surveillance at the residence attempted to detain the suspect when he arrived. Dickerson fled the scene, still in the wanted vehicle with the victim and her children. Patrol officers began to surround the area where Dickerson was last seen. Dickerson then left the victims inside the vehicle in the 7300 block of Dunkirk and fled on foot. A short distance away, Dickerson shot himself in the head. Patrol officers heard the gunshot and were able to find Dickerson. He was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Neither the victim nor her children sustained any injuries.

JKS/JFC 4-2-12
Inc. #040065112